A 32-year-old man has been arrested in Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, after a police operation and subsequent chase led to the seizure of approximately 320kg of dagga valued at an estimated R1.5 million.

According to the Office of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, the operation involved the Durban Flying Squad, Durban Metro Police and a private security company. Police acted on intelligence about a large consignment of dagga allegedly being transported along the N2 from the north of Durban.

Officers tracked the vehicle along the highway before it turned onto the M19. The vehicle eventually came to a stop, after which the driver allegedly abandoned it and fled on foot into nearby bushes.

A search operation was launched, resulting in the arrest of the 32-year-old suspect.

The man has been charged with dealing in dagga and is expected to appear before the Durban Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 16 November 2026.

The seizure represents another major drug-related operation in KwaZulu-Natal, where law enforcement agencies continue targeting suspected trafficking activities along major transport routes.

The suspect’s arrest and the seizure form part of an ongoing investigation into the movement of illegal drugs in the province. He remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.